Caracterización de concentrados proteicos de Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum (Begonia doublet), actividad antioxidante, antiinflamatoria, digestibilidad gastrointestinal

Introduction: In Ecuador, 60 species belonging to the begonias family have been observed, being known mainly for their ornamental use. However, there is not much information about its use as food and the nutraceutical properties present in its flower. Objective: Determine antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum flower, protein concentrate and gastrointestinal digests. Methods: Flowers were purchased fresh, freeze-dried and ground. Protein concentrates were obtained by isoelectric precipitation, subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity was determined. Significant differences were determined by ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results: Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum proteins were completely digested, obtaining a higher antioxidant activity (1146.09±32.11 µmol Trolox/g) in the intestinal digest and a higher anti-inflammatory activity in the gastric digest. Conclusions: Digestion process significantly influences the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of protein concentrates of begonia doublet flower, improving these bioactivities.